One person drowned in Jhelum river in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district today when a group of people protesting hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru were being chased away by security forces, local residents alleged.

Residents claimed that Tariq Ahmad Bhat and two others jumped into the river to escape security forces.

However, a police spokesman denied the allegation, saying the youth drowned after a boat overturned in the river.

One youth managed to swim ashore, residents said.

A group of youths saved another youth and he was rushed to SKIMS hospital here for treatment. However, Bhat could not be saved and his body was later fished out.

The death of youth has led to fresh protests in the area.

Mohammed Afzal Guru, convicted of involvement in the audacious attack on Parliament in 2001, was hanged yesterday and buried in Delhi's Tihar Jail, six days after a mercy plea was rejected by the President.